Chief Engineer (Safety Critical Controls)

Job Description:

Job Title: Chief Engineer (Safety Critical Controls)
Job Location: Rochester, Kent UK -Working Onsite
Salary: Circa £90,000 dependent on experience

Who we are:
Join BAE Systems and you'll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you'll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You'll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow - shaping a safer future, for all of us.
Role Description:
Working within our Electronics Systems Sector, the role provides domain expertise across the entire lifecycle. As Chief Engineer you will work in close alignment with the Head of Engineering and report to the Deputy Engineering Director. This role will provide you with the opportunity to provide proactive support and coaching to the Product Group at all levels and from pre-bid through to production/support.
Core Duties:
* Provide technical governance and assurance through Product Safety Certificate (PSC) authorisation and Design Approval for agreed programmes
* Drive technical excellence within the Product Group by managing product knowledge and know-how and contributing to the evolution of Engineering processes as part of the Chief Engineer community
* Work closely with the Head of Engineering and Product Line Director to define, agree and implement product and technology strategies
* Maintain a good understanding of relevant technology trends, developments and roadmaps within the domain
* Build and sustain effective relationships with strategic technology partners, customers and industry working groups
* Working with project teams to ensure there is an efficient and viable route to product certification
* Support development programmes through proactive coaching, promotion of sound engineering practices, and consideration of cost and schedule impacts
Essential Skills:
* Deep technical understanding of safety critical control products, related technologies and able to review at an appropriate level all related disciplines
* Pragmatic application of sound Engineering principles to support business objectives
* Experience in the certification of Safety Critical Systems
* Evidence of coaching numerous Engineers throughout their career journeys across the organisation
* Has held a Design Authority or equivalent role throughout the whole development lifecycle
* Qualification to Degree/HND level in an engineering related discipline
The Chief Engineering team:
An opportunity has arisen for a Chief Engineer (Safety Critical Controls) based at our site in Rochester, Kent UK within the Engineering organisation. This is the most senior technical role on site, and it influences the future direction of the business, coaches and develop people at all levels. It is an important role across the organisation in the certification of our products and an opportunity to influence how the business currently 'do' Engineering now and in the future.
Why BAE Systems?
Here you'll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work - this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You'll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what's most important to you and your family - support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.
A place where everyone can thrive:
We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date: 11th August 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
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